Swiss Cantons Oppose Converting Asylum Status Into Work Permits

Several Swiss cantons have opposed a federal proposal that would allow asylum seekers with temporary protection status to convert their residency into work permits after five years.

The Conference of Cantonal Directors of Social Affairs of Central Switzerland warned that the policy could place significant financial pressure on cantons and municipalities across Switzerland.

The debate mainly concerns refugees holding Switzerland’s temporary protection status S, many of whom arrived from Ukraine following the ongoing conflict. Cantonal authorities argue that status S was originally designed as a short-term humanitarian measure rather than a pathway to permanent residence.

According to the cantons, automatically converting S permits into B residence permits after five years would fundamentally change the purpose of the protection system. Officials stated that such a move would transform a temporary protection mechanism into a long-term immigration model.

The cantons also criticized the federal government’s financial approach. Under the proposal, Bern plans to reduce or stop federal financial support after five years, while local governments would continue covering social welfare and integration costs.

Regional leaders are now demanding greater authority over social assistance policies and adjustments to federal regulations to ensure that cantons are not left carrying the long-term financial burden alone.

The Conference of Cantonal Directors of Social Affairs of Central Switzerland includes the cantons of Lucerne, Uri, Schwyz, Nidwalden, Obwalden, and Zug.

The issue is expected to remain politically sensitive as Switzerland continues balancing refugee protection policies with economic and social integration challenges.